So I've become pretty cynical about companies announcing layoffs. In the short term, it'll boost the stock and make the CEO look good as a result. The net effect will be:<p>- A certain number of people who leave or retire won't be replaced<p>- Some workers will get relocated geographically and/or within the company's business units such that they'll be counted as a layoff and a new hire<p>- New hiring won't stop<p>- The company will use layoffs as a means of getting rid of a number of workers that would otherwise be legally problematic to get rid of (eg older or pregnant workers)<p>- Some smaller teams, projects or divisions will be sold off to other companies<p>Hiring is near constant. Layoffs happen in bursts. Combine this with natural attrition and not much has changed. Overall staffing levels will continue trending downward slightly with increased automation. Business as usual.